TRNC starts work Amnesty for illegal residents in north Cyprus today

The TRNC Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the commencement of Immigration Amnesty with effect from Monday August 5.

Foreign nationals who have been living in the country illegally without a resident permit including those sent to prison for illegal residency since January 1, 2021 or those who left the country after this date will be able to apply for amnesty on the condition that they have a job.

Those who have been sentenced to a fine will be able to benefit from the amnesty provided that they pay a gross minimum wage to the Revenue and Tax Office within 10 days of the application being approved by the Ministry of Labor. If the work permit procedures are not completed within 60 days, the old immigration fines of foreigners will remain in effect.

According to a written statement of the Ministry of Interior, applications can be made online via the official website of the Ministry of Interior, www.icisleri.gov.ct.tr. 

Applications made by clicking on the Immigration Amnesty button will provide fast results. Those who will benefit from the amnesty will be included in the scope of the amnesty after the necessary security checks.

The applications of the applicants will be reviewed by the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior and, if there is no risk to public safety, will be approved and transferred to the Ministry of Labor portal so that the work permit procedures can continue.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs' assessment of the regulation is as follows:

“This critical regulation aims to greatly contribute to the integration of the unregistered workforce, as well as economic development, strengthening the social security system, and introducing equal and fair regulations in working life. The Foreigners and Immigration (Amendment) Law is one of the most important steps taken to solve the problems caused by the unregistered workforce.

This approach of the government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will have positive effects on the economic and social structure of the country and will allow us to look to the future with more confidence.

This amnesty will greatly contribute to the reduction of the unregistered workforce and the integration of foreign workers into the economy by registering them. This Immigration Amnesty, which is an opportunity for family unity and social security, will also allow for the strengthening of social security institutions and the inclusion of unregistered workers under the umbrella of social security institutions.”

***For questions, kindly contact the immigration office.